Because there's nothing worse than trying to bake and not having the right ingredients.

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You just found the perfect holiday dessert recipe, and you can't wait to get your baking on. You have eggs, chocolate, flour, sugar, and vanilla extract, but you're missing baking powder. Going to the store is a lot of effort, you don't have friendly neighbors, and no one actually knows the difference between baking soda and baking powder. Don't panic: Here's a list of five baking powder alternatives and the best way to use each one.

1. Plain Yogurt, Buttermilk, Sour Milk

Alex Frank

Buttermilk is fermented dairy, that’s what gives it the sour taste. It’s formed by adding bacteria to milk and waiting for fermentation (like the process of creating pickles or kombucha). This produces an acidity, so when combined with baking soda, buttermilk will act like baking powder. Add 1/2 cup of buttermilk with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Don’t forget to reduce the rest of the liquid in the recipe or you might end up with soupy brownies.

5. Whipped Egg Whites

Egg whites make baked foods light and fluffy. They give desserts like soufflé that heavenly airy texture. Whipping egg whites creates tiny air bubbles that increases volume. When baking, the egg whites create air within the recipe. Fold your other ingredients into the egg whites to perfect the reaction. When needed, this will make an easy baking powder alternative. The amount of egg whites needed to replace baking powder will vary depending on the recipe, so use your best judgement here.

Don't fret if your pantry isn't well stocked, you won't ruin the holidays. Your holiday treat might even taste better with one of these baking powder alternatives. Plus, you'll feel like a scientist if you create the perfect chemical reaction.